Doha, Qatar – It was ecstasy for Morocco and sheer anguish for Spain because the Atlas Lions defeated the previous world champions on penalties at Qatar’s Training Metropolis Stadium and secured a quarter-final berth for the primary time in World Cup historical past.
After Achraf Hakimi scored the successful penalty, Moroccan followers have been jubilant past phrases, hugging and leaping with family and friends.
“I can’t consider it. This is likely one of the biggest moments in my life,” 27-year-old Amal Galidi instructed Al Jazeera. The Fez resident mentioned each “Arabs and Africans” would be the “happiest individuals at present”. “God has listened to our prayers,” he proclaimed.
Exterior the stadium, a whole lot gathered to sing soccer and nationwide chants, posing gleefully for the cameras and in no temper to go away. The match felt like a house recreation for the Atlas Lions, with their supporters overwhelmingly outnumbering the Spanish followers.
Anass Boumlek, 26, from Marrakech, mentioned he was “very, very joyful”, including that the victory “belongs to everybody” concerned.
“The followers within the stands, the coaches, the gamers and all of the employees, this belongs to everybody,” he mentioned. “We’re giving this win to everybody … all of the Arabs, Africans and all the opposite nationalities that supported us.”
Boumlek, who lives in Doha, mentioned that there will likely be a “occasion environment” in Morocco and Qatar.